A local Okanagan summer camp is looking for creative campers after an anonymous donor stepped up to help 12 kids join in on the fun.
Shannon Riddell, with non-profit organization SASFY (Summer Arts Scene for Youth), said the donor provided partial sponsorships of $125 for 12 students between the ages of eight and 16.
“We’ve been working so hard and because we are a non-profit it was just such a thrill to see that somebody in our community wanted to promote our mission, which is to provide financial assistance and help deserving families with artistic kids,” said Riddell.
Now, they’re just looking for artful youth who want to take the opportunity.
“There are a lot of kids that don’t know about it and then there are a lot of families, with the way the economy is these days, who can’t necessarily afford it. So this gives them a great opportunity,” she said. “It’s going to make a big difference.”
The camp will run from Aug. 8-13, with a final showcase and art's exhibition at Creekside Theatre on Saturday, which will be open to the public.
“That will tie it all together at the end of the day,” Riddell said.
The camp is held at George Elliot in Lake Country, but students from West Kelowna, Peachland and Kelowna are bused up each day, with various drop-off locations at nearby schools.
The base cost of tuition is $195.00. Fees are added depended on which classes and workshops are chosen, and if busing is needed, it’s an extra $25.
Depending on their interests, students can take part in classes on culinary arts, musical theatre, photography, graphic design, ceramics and more.
There are different workshops within each subject which students can take part in during the course of the camp.
“I think it offers an amazing opportunity to get a full, well-rounded sort of exposure to the different types of art that are available,” Riddell said. “In the school system, there’s just a general sort of introduction, where this gives them a chance to go into all of these different segments… and hopefully, inspire them to go in a different direction.”
This year’s theme is the “Spirit of the Land of the Okanagan,” so art will focus on that—including nature, the lakes and the wildlife.
Right now, they only have 20 spots left, out of 80 students they usually take.
According to Riddell, students return year after year.
“They love it,” she said. “It’s just a great place for students to convene and explore the arts.”
To be considered for the scholarships, students must submit a letter of their own, as well as letters of recommendation from a parent and a teacher. You can email SASFY for more information, or visit their website.
